Recipes: Two Ideas for Salami

There’s a part of me that understands not including processed meats in an ancestral-type diet. In general, I try to eat meat in a more untouched state, i.e. chops, steaks, loins, etc. But I’ve made some allowance for tasty, human-altered meats, like salami. And here’s why.

Aside from the obvious yum factor, salami provides a hefty dose of satiating fat, so a little goes a long way. It’s portable and less perishable than many other options, so it’s great for work or activities on the go like backpacking. It’s handy in a pinch for a snack. And? Yum. Did I already say that?

Look for brands that minimally process the meat and don’t add nitrates or nitrites. Applegate Farms brand is a good bet, but there are also many gourmet brands worth checking out. Volpi, Un Mondo, and Columbus all have tasty, uncured options. Some brands list sugar on the ingredient list, but as far as I can tell, the amount is so small, it doesn’t even register as a gram on the nutrition label. And of course, if you live in a town with a boutique butcher, check them out and see if they make their own.

Here are two super simple ideas, one for breakfast and one for a snack or appetizer. The strong tastes of olives and salami help shake eggs out of their everyday doldrums and the snacketizer is quick and easy. If you find yourself looking for more salami options, try my Antipasto Salad, topping a Paleo-/Primal-friendly pizza (here, here, here), or making a simple platter with cheeses, olives, and fruit.

Sorry, it's hard to make eggs look sexy! But it's easy to make them tasty.

Salami and Olive Scramble

*amounts are per serving*

butter or coconut oil

3 eggs

1/4 cup chopped salami

2 Tbsp. chopped olives (I used Kalamata)

salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional): mozzarella cheese

— Melt fat of choice in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Crack eggs in, sprinkle salami and olives over, and season to taste with S&P. Break yolks with spatula and scramble eggs around. Add cheese, if using. Serve when cooked to desired doneness and cheese has melted.

Salami, Cream Cheese, and Olive Roll-ups

Snack Version: Couldn’t be easier. Top sliced salami with a smear of cream cheese (or other soft cheese, like goat cheese) and an olive, roll it up, and eat it.

Appetizer Version: Couldn’t be easier. Top sliced salami with a smear of cream or other soft cheese, roll up, top with an olive, and secure with a toothpick.